System and method for providing a semi-custom-fitted house ball to a customer of a bowling center

ABSTRACT

A system and method for providing a semi-custom-fitted house ball to a customer of a bowling center are provided. In one embodiment, a plurality of house balls in a variety of weights is provided, wherein each of the house balls comprises a thumb hole sized to receive a removable thumb insert of varying sizes, and wherein at least one house ball of a given weight comprises a different finger hole drilling pattern than at least one other house ball of that given weight. In another embodiment, a method for identifying a suitable house ball for a customer of a bowling center is provided. Other embodiments are disclosed, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

BACKGROUND

Bowling centers provide house balls for customers who do not own abowling ball. House balls typically come in different weights, with thefinger and thumb hole diameters, as well as the span between the fingerand thumb holes, increasing with increasing weight. However, mostconventional house balls of a given weight have the same thumb andfinger hole diameters and the same span between the thumb and fingerholes. Typically, a variety of different house balls are provided onracks in a bowling center, and a customer engages in trial-and-error tofind a house ball with the desired weight, finger and thumb holediameters, and span between the finger and thumb holes. Because of theinexact nature of this process and because the desired house ball maynot be available, some customers may choose an ill-fitting house ball,which may cause them to bowl a poor game and become discouraged fromreturning to the bowling center. Even if a customer finds aproperly-fitting house ball, he may find the house ball selectionprocess so time-consuming and frustrating that he may be discouragedfrom becoming a frequent bowler.

SUMMARY

The present invention is defined by the claims, and nothing in thissection should be taken as a limitation on those claims.

By way of introduction, the embodiments described below provide a systemand method for providing a semi-custom-fitted house ball to a customerof a bowling center. In one embodiment, a plurality of house balls in avariety of weights is provided, wherein each of the house ballscomprises a thumb hole sized to receive a removable thumb insert ofvarying sizes, and wherein at least one house ball of a given weightcomprises a different finger hole drilling pattern than at least oneother house ball of that given weight. In another embodiment, a methodfor identifying a suitable house ball for a customer of a bowling centeris provided. Other embodiments are disclosed, and each of theembodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

The embodiments will now be described with reference to the attacheddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a system of house balls of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a bowling ball of an embodiment with anouter sleeve secured to a thumb hole.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a removable thumb insert for use in anembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a removable thumb insert for use in anembodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing assembly of a removable thumb insertinto a bowling ball of an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a tray of an embodiment of removable thumbinserts of varying sizes.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are illustrations of a fitting ball of an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

By way of introduction, the embodiments described below provide a systemand method for providing a semi-custom-fitted house ball to a customerof a bowling center. Each of the house balls are provided in a varietyof weights. Unlike conventional house balls where a ball of a givenweight have the same thumb and finger hole diameters and the same spanbetween the thumb and finger holes, the house balls in each weightcategory of these embodiments have a thumb hole sized to receiveremovable thumb inserts of varying sizes and varying finger holedrilling patterns. As used herein, the phrase “finger hole drillingpattern” refers to finger hole diameters and/or thumb-to-finger-holespans. The combination of different patterns of span and/or finger holesizes and the use of a thumb insert fitting a customer's thumb allows abowling center to provide a customer with a semi-custom-fitted houseball every time he bowls. By providing a customer with a proper-fittinghouse ball, the customer may bowl better and enjoy his experience morethan if he used a conventional house ball. A service delivery system isalso provided that can eliminate time spent by a customer in searchingfor a suitable conventional house ball (if one is even available). Allof these benefits can encourage the customer to visit the bowling centermore frequently and may even encourage the customer to purchase his ownbowling ball from the bowling center.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an illustration of a system ofhouse balls of an embodiment. This system comprises a first plurality ofbowling balls 10 (the top row of three balls) of substantially the sameweight and a second plurality of bowling balls 20 (the bottom row ofthree balls) also of substantially the same weight but of differentweight from the first plurality of bowling balls 10. For example, thefirst plurality of bowling balls 10 can be 7 lb balls, and the secondplurality of bowling balls 20 can be 8 lb balls. It should be understoodthat FIG. 1 is being used merely for illustration purposes and that atypical bowling center could have more than three balls in a givenweight category and could have more than two weight categories. Forexample, a bowling center could have a variety of 7 lb to 15 lb balls.It should also be noted that the phrase “substantially the same weight”is being used because different balls in a given plurality may not weighexactly the same. As will be discussed below, the three balls in a givenplurality have finger holes of different diameters, and this diameterdifference can cause one ball to weigh slightly more or less thananother ball in that plurality. Nevertheless, the difference in weightsis small enough that each of the balls can still be considered an X lbball (e.g., despite the slight weight differences, each of the balls inthe first plurality 10 would still be considered 7 lb balls).

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the balls in each of the pluralities 10, 20comprises respective thumb holes 12, 14, 16, 22, 24, 26 and respectivefinger holes 13, 15, 17, 23, 25, 27. As will be discussed in more detailbelow, each of the thumb holes 12, 14, 16, 22, 24, 26 is sized toreceive removable thumb inserts of varying sizes. In one presentlypreferred embodiment, the thumb holes 12, 14, 16, 22, 24, 26 all have adiameter of 1.5 inches and a depth of 3 5/16 inches. In otherembodiments, a different diameter and/or depth can be used. Also, whilethe size of the thumb holes are the same in all of the bowling balls ofthis embodiment, in other embodiments, different bowling balls can havedifferent thumb hole sizes but still be sized to receive removable thumbinserts of varying sizes.

Although the thumb holes 12, 14, 16, 22, 24, 26 of all the bowling ballsare the same diameter in this embodiment, at least one bowling ball ofthe first plurality 10 has different finger hole diameters than at leastone other bowling ball of the first plurality 10. In the particularembodiment shown in FIG. 1, each set of finger holes of the threebowling balls in the first plurality 10 has a different diameter, withthe finger holes of the left-most bowling ball being larger than thefinger holes of the center bowling ball, and the finger holes of thecenter bowling ball being larger than the finger holes of the right-mostbowling ball. Additionally, at least one bowling ball of the firstplurality 10 has a different span between finger and thumb holes than atleast one other bowling ball of the first plurality. This is illustratedin FIG. 1 with the span S1 of the left-most bowling ball being largerthan the span S2 of the center bowling ball, and the span S2 of thecenter bowling ball being larger than the span S3 of the right-mostbowling ball. Although span is measured in FIG. 1 between the top edgeof the thumb hole to bottom edge of the finger holes, it should be notedthat span can be measured using different reference points. It shouldalso be noted that the diameter and spans shown in FIG. 1 areexaggerated for illustration purposes and may not be the same sizeand/or position as on an actual bowling ball. Also, while the distancebetween the two finger holes is the same from ball-to-ball in thisembodiment, in other embodiments, this distance varies between balls.

As with the first plurality, the bowling balls of the second pluralityhave finger holes with different diameters and different spans betweenthe finger holes and thumb holes. It should be noted that the fingerhole diameters and spans of the bowling balls of the first plurality 10can be the same as or different from the finger hole diameters and spansof the bowling balls of the second plurality 20. For instance, in theparticular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, bowling balls in the same columnhave the same finger hole diameter and span. However, in otherembodiments, the finger hole diameter and/or span of one plurality ofbowling balls would be unique or only shared with some (but not all) ofthe other plurality of balls in the system. Further, in addition tofinger hole diameters and spans, the pitch of the thumb holes and/orfinger holes can also vary.

It should be noted that while the thumb holes of the bowling balls ofthese embodiments are sized to receive removable thumb inserts ofvarying sizes, the finger holes are not shaped to receive removablefinger inserts of varying sizes. Instead, the finger holes are justopenings in the bowling ball and are free of finger inserts.Accordingly, the size of these finger holes is different from the sizeof finger holes that are shaped to receive removable finger inserts.Specifically, the size of a finger hole that is shaped to receive aremovable finger insert is usually 31/32 inches in diameter with a depthof 1.5 inches. This large diameter, which is larger than the largestfinger tip diameter of a typical bowler, allows various sizes of fingerinserts to be inserted into the finger hole. Also, the depth of 1.5inches allows a bowler to insert his finger up to his first knuckle.This provides an “advanced (or fingertip) grip,” which is used byadvanced bowlers to provide more control over the bowling ball. Incontrast, a finger hole of a conventional bowling ball has a depth of2.5 inches, which allows a bowler to insert his finger up to his secondknuckle. This provides a “conventional grip,” which is an easier gripfor a casual bowler. Accordingly, it is presently preferred that thefinger holes of the bowling balls in these embodiments have a diameterless than 31/32 inches and a depth greater than 1.5 inches, which arethe typical dimensions of a finger hole that can receive removablefinger inserts. As discussed below, the diameters of the fingers holesof the bowling balls of these embodiments will vary from ball-to-ball ina given weight category, but, in a presently preferred embodiment, thediameter of the largest finger hole is less than 31/32 inches. Also,while any finger hole depth of greater than 1.5 inches is preferred, ina presently preferred embodiment, the finger hole depth is about 2.5inches.

The number of different weight bowling balls and the differences infinger hole diameters and spans can be specified to suit the purpose ofany given bowling center. Although any arrangement can be used, thefollowing is a description of an arrangement of house balls of onepresently preferred embodiment. These details are being provided merelyfor illustration purposes and are in no way intended to be a limitationon the claims. In one presently preferred embodiment, span increases atapproximately ⅛ inch increments, and there are three span selections infive different weight choices (7 lb, 8 lb, 9 lb, 11 lb, and 13 lb balls)and four span selections in four different weight choices (10 lb, 12 lb,14 lb, and 15 lb balls). Finger hole diameters increase in proper sizingsteps in accordance with the increasing span distances. Thisdistribution provides a bowling center customer with a very comfortablefit that is similar to the design of a custom-fitted personal ballpurchased from a professional ball drilling pro shop. Table 1 provides asummary of the arrangement and dimensions of house balls of a presentlypreferred embodiment. The measurements are shown in inches, and “F” and“R” stand for forward and reverse pitch, respectively. The “Thumb InsertDistribution Data” will be described later.

TABLE 1 Thumb Finger Thumb Finger Hole Hole Hole Hole Thumb InsertDiameter Diameter Pitch Pitch Span Distribution Data  7 lb 1 1½ 41/64 ¼F ¼ F 2 5/16 11/16 2 1½ 43/64 ¼ F ¼ F 2 7/16 23/32 3 1½ 11/16 ¼ F ¼ F 29/16 ¾  8 lb 1 1½ 41/64 ¼ F ¼ F 2 5/16 11/16 2 1½ 43/64 ¼ F ¼ F 2 7/1623/32 3 1½ 11/16 ¼ F ¼ F 2 9/16 ¾  9 lb 1 1½ 11/16 ¼ F ¼ F 2 9/16 3/4 21½ 23/32 ¼ F ¼ F 2 11/16 25/32 3 1½ ¾ ¼ F ¼ F 2⅞ 13/16 10 lb 1 1½ 23/32¼ F ¼ F 2 11/16 25/32 2 1½ ¾ ¼ F ¼ F 2⅞ 13/16 3 1½ 25/32 ¼ F ¼ F 3 1/1627/32 4 1½ 51/64 ¼ F ¼ F 3¼ ⅞ 11 lb 1 1½ ¾ ¼ F ¼ F 2⅞ 13/16 2 1½ 25/32 ¼F ¼ F 3 1/16 27/32 3 1½ 51/64 3/16 F  3/16 F  3¼ ⅞ 12 lb 1 1½ 25/32 ¼ F¼ F 3 1/16 13/16 2 1½ 51/64 3/16 F  3/16 F  3¼ 27/32 3 1½ 13/16 3/16 F ⅛ F 3 7/16 ⅞ 4 1½ 53/64 1/16 F  ⅛ F 3⅝ 29/32 13 lb 1 1½ 51/64 3/16 F 3/16 F  3¼ 27/32 2 1½ 13/16 3/16 F  ⅛ F 3 7/16 ⅞ 3 1½ 53/64 1/16 F  ⅛ F3⅝ 29/32 14 lb 1 1½ 13/16 3/16 F  ⅛ F 3 7/16 ⅞ 2 1½ 53/64 1/16 F  ⅛ F 3⅝29/32 3 1½ 55/64 1/16 F  1/16 F  3 13/16 15/16 4 1½ 15/16 0 0 4 31/32 15lb 1 1½ 53/64 1/16 F  ⅛ F 3⅝ 15/16 2 1½ 55/64 1/16 F  1/16 F  3 13/1631/32 3 1½ 15/16 0 0 4 1 4 1½ 61/64 ⅛ R 0 4 3/16 1 1/32

It should be noted that while the above table shows a single diametervalue for finger hole diameter, in some embodiments, the diameters ofthe two finger holes of a given ball can be different. For example, abowler's middle finger is typically somewhat larger than his indexfinger. Accordingly, to provide an even better-fitting house ball, thediameters of the finger holes of a given ball can be sized differently.However, for ease of manufacture, it may be preferred to use the samediameter for both finger holes of a given ball. It should be understoodthat the use of the same or different size diameters of finger holes ona given ball should not be read into the claims unless explicitlyrecited therein.

As mentioned above, each of the thumb holes in the first and secondplurality 10, 20 is sized to receive removable thumb inserts of varyingsizes. In this embodiment, the thumb hole is an “oversized” diameter(“oversized” in that it is larger than the largest thumb diameter of atypical customer). The thumb insert system used in this embodimentcontains two components: a removable thumb insert and a component in theoversized thumb hole that is shaped to releasably secure the removablethumb insert. By using an thumb hole of an “oversized” diameter, thethumb hole will be large enough to fit both the securing component andthe removable thumb insert. It should be noted that “removable thumbinserts of varying sizes” do not necessarily have different outerdiameters. For example, “removable thumb inserts of varying sizes” canhave the same outer diameters but different inner diameters (thedifferent inner diameters being the part of the removable thumb insertsthat can fit varying thumb sizes). While any suitable removable thumbinsert system can be used, it is presently preferred that the SwitchGrip™ Interchangeable Assembly from Turbo 2-N-1 Grips be used. Althoughthe following description and FIGS. 2-5 will reference the Switch Grip™Interchangeable Assembly, it should be understood that any suitableremovable thumb insert system can be used and that the claims should notbe limited to any particular type of removable thumb insert system.

Turning again to the drawings, FIG. 2 shows a bowling ball 50 with anouter sleeve 70 secured to the thumb hole 60 of the bowling ball 50. Inoperation, after the thumb hole is drilled into the bowling ball 50, theouter sleeve is installed into the ball 50. Installation details of theouter sleeve 70 and manufacturing details of the removable thumb insertsof this embodiment are available from Turbo 2-N-1 Grips. As shown inFIG. 2, the outer sleeve 70 contains a broken ring structure 75 thatwill be used to releasably secure a removable thumb insert. FIGS. 3 and4 are side and bottom views, respectively, of a removable thumb insert80 for use in this presently preferred embodiment. As shown in thesefigures, the bottom of the removable thumb insert 80 contains tabs 85that are shaped to engaged with the broken ring structure 75 of theouter sleeve 70. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 5, the removablethumb insert 80 is inserted into the outer sleeve 70 in such a way as toalign the tabs 85 with the openings in the broken ring structure 75 ofthe outer sleeve 70. Once inserted, the removable thumb insert 80 istwisted, and the tabs “click” into place against detents on theunderside (not shown) of the outer sleeve 70. The removable thumb insert80 is removed from the outer sleeve 70 by reversing the above-describedprocess.

It is preferred that a bowling center stock a plurality of removablethumb inserts of varying sizes. A bowling center can order pre-sizedthumb inserts from a supplier, or the bowling center can order “stock”thumb inserts that can be modified (e.g., drilled) to the desired sizes.For example, in the Switch Grip™ Interchangeable Assembly, the innersleeve contains a solid “slug” that can be drilled to a desired thumbdiameter while the inner sleeve is engaged with the outer sleeve in abowling ball. (This “slug” is shown in stippled pattern in FIGS. 3 and5.) Such drilling can take place, for example, in a pro shop in abowling center. As the number and sizes of the removable thumb insertsare related to the number and type of bowling balls that are part of thebowling center's house ball system, a bowling center may wish to useinformation about their house balls to generate a proper distribution ofremovable thumb inserts. For example, the “Thumb Insert DistributionData” shown in Table 1 shows the likely thumb size for any given ball inthat presently preferred embodiment. For example, with reference toTable 1, a customer who needs a 7 lb “number 1” ball will likely need aremovable thumb insert sized at 11/16 inches. Accordingly, the bowlingcenter may wish to ensure that it has enough removable thumb insertsized at 11/16 inches for many or all of its 7 lb “number 1” balls (andany other balls with a likely removable thumb inserts sized at 11/16inches (e.g., an 8 lb “number 1” ball)). Of course, by the very natureof the removable thumb insert system, a removable thumb insert of anyinternal size can be used on any ball (e.g., a customer using a 7 lb“number 1” ball may use a removable thumb inserts sized at ¾ inchesinstead of the “typical” 11/16 inches). Accordingly, the “Thumb InsertDistribution Data” shown in Table 1 merely is an aid to allow a bowlingcenter to provide a good (but not necessarily perfect) distribution ofremovable thumb inserts.

As a bowling center may have a very large inventory of removable thumbinserts ready for use (e.g., 400 removable thumb inserts), the bowlingcenter may wish to use a tray, such as tray 100 shown in FIG. 6 to storerepresentative samples of the thumb inserts. The tray 100 allows therepresentative samples to be strategically placed for ease of access andsize selection. Although the tray 100 in FIG. 6 stores 24 various-sizedthumb inserts, other trays can be designed to store more or fewerinserts. In FIG. 6, the tray 100 is labeled with the size of the innerdiameter of each removable thumb insert. Of course, different indiciacan be used, such as, but not limited to, numbers, letters, and colors.Also, if the drillable “slugs” of the removable thumb insert come indifferent colors, a bowling center may wish to use slugs of a singlecolor for all removable thumb inserts of a given diameter. (The stippledpattern used for the slug in FIGS. 3 and 5 is not used for the slugs inFIG. 6 to simplify the drawing.)

With the components of the house ball system having been described, thefollowing paragraphs present a method for using this system to provide acustom-fitted house ball to a customer of a bowling center. Aftergreeting a customer at a service counter, a bowling center attendant caninform the customer that a “custom-fitted” house ball system isavailable to allow the customer to experience a semi-custom fit duringhis bowling experience. The custom-fitted house ball system can be runinstead of or along with a conventional house ball system. The bowlingcenter can charge the customer a fee for this service (e.g., for therental of a removable thumb insert (like the rental of bowling shoes))or can provide the service free of charge (with or without a deposit forthe removable thumb insert). If the customer wishes to use thecustom-fitted house ball system, the customer can be directed to ameasuring station. It should be noted that bowling centers can designthe customer flow in any suitable way and do not necessarily need to usethe flow described herein.

Upon arrival at the measuring station, a bowling center technician askswhich hand the customer will use for bowling. (Instead of using atechnician, a bowling center may decide to allow a customer to performone or more of the following tasks by himself.) Using the tray 100 ofremovable thumb inserts, the technical will test various ones of theremovable thumb inserts on the customer's thumb for proper feel andsize. The optimal size is one that allows for the thumb to rotate insideof the insert with minimal resistance and tension. Ease of exit can alsobe emphasized during this procedure, as too loose of a fit can causefatigue on the hand and arms, and too tight of a fit can causediscomfort due to the thumb not releasing from the ball. Once the properthumb size is identified, the technician can provide the customer withthe proper removable thumb insert from the bowling center's inventory(e.g., by using the indicia on the tray 100 or the insert).

Now that the proper removable thumb insert is provided, the technicianassists the customer in finding the proper finger hole drilling pattern.Although this can be performed in any desired manner, a fitting ball ispreferably used. FIGS. 7A and 7B are illustrations of a fitting ball 200of a presently preferred embodiment. This fitting ball 200 has aplurality of thumb holes (thumb holes 210 and 220 are shown in theseviews, and two others are not shown in these views) sized to receiveremovable thumb inserts of varying sizes containing outer sleeves, asdescribed above. The fitting ball 200 also contains a plurality offinger holes (finger holes 225, 230, 235, 237, 240, 245, 250, and 255are shown in these views) having various pitches and positioned invarious spans with respect to the plurality of thumb holes. Thisparticular fitting ball has four quadrants (a small, medium, large, andextra large quadrant), with each quadrant having three or four patternsof finger holes (e.g., patterns 1-4). The various finger holes haveindicia (e.g., L-II, L-III, X-I, X-II, etc.), which matches indicia onhouse balls with the corresponding finger hole drilling pattern.

In operation, the provided removable thumb insert is inserted into theproper size of span quadrant on the fitting ball 200 and locked intoplace. The customer then lays his fingers over the finger holes on thefitting ball 200. For this fitting ball 200, a proper fit is one wherethe crease of the second digit or conventional knuckle is approximately¼ inches past the edge of the hole. The customer finds the span thatclosely resembles a true conventional fit, and the ease of exit of thethumb is tested with the fingers installed in the proper holes. Afterdetermining the proper span and thumb fit, the technician can recommendthe proper weight for the customer to try. The house balls preferablyhave indicia to indicate weight (e.g., color) and indicia to indicatespan size (e.g., an engraved alpha-numeric code). As mentioned above, inthis particular embodiment, each weight class will have three or fourspan options. So, if customer needs an 8 lb ball with #2 small span, thetechnician can inform the customer to look for a “blue ball with anumber 2 on it.” The technician can also assist the customer in findingthe proper ball and making sure the removable thumb insert is properlyinstalled. When the customer completes his bowling experience, hereturns the removable thumb insert to the service counter. The servicecounter representative can, optionally, offer the removable thumb insertfor purchase by the customer.

There are several advantages associated with these embodiments. Byhaving varying finger hole diameters and thumb-to-finger-hole spans andby using a thumb insert fitted to a customer's thumb, a bowling centercan provide a customer with a semi-custom-fitted house ball every timethey bowl, which may allow a customer to bowl better and enjoy hisexperience more than if he used a conventional house ball. Also, byproviding the house balls with first indicia (e.g., color) indicatingweight and second indicia (e.g., engravings) indicating finger holedrilling pattern, a service delivery system can be provided thateliminates time spent by a customer in searching for a suitable houseball. After being measured, the bowling center technician simply informsthe customer of the indicia to look for on the ball (“a blue ball with anumber 2 on it”). Once the customer finds the indicated ball, he securesthe removable thumb insert into the ball and is ready to bowl.

It should also be noted that the bowling balls described herein arepreferably used in a house ball system in a bowling center and notmerely for demonstrating and selling bowling balls. Accordingly, theseembodiments provide a service delivery model that can enhance experiencefor a large customer base. In this way, these embodiments can increase acustomer's bowling frequency and provide a selling point for a bowlingcenter.

As noted above, while the thumb holes of the bowling balls of theseembodiments are sized to receive removable thumb inserts of varyingsizes, the finger holes are not shaped to receive removable fingerinserts of varying sizes. Instead, the finger holes are just openings inthe bowling ball and are free of finger inserts. This provides anadvantage over bowling ball systems that use both removable thumbinserts and removable finger inserts. As mentioned above, bowling ballsthat use removable finger inserts provide a fingertip grip instead of aconventional grip, which is usually preferred by casual bowlers.Additionally, the use of both removable thumb inserts and removablefinger inserts can add additional time in the ball selection process, asboth the thumb and the fingers would need to be measured and theappropriate inserts founds. Accordingly, using both removable thumbinserts and removable finger inserts can reduce or even eliminate thetime savings provided by these embodiments. That is, instead of spendingtime searching racks of conventional house balls for a suitable fit, thecustomer may spend the same or more time getting fitted for removableinserts. In other words, the use of removable finger inserts can replaceone problem with another. Additionally, keeping an inventory ofremovable finger inserts can increase the cost of the house ball system,as compared to a house ball system that only uses removable thumbinserts. Finally, as it is generally easier for a customer to find agood finger fit than a good thumb fit on a house ball, the use ofremovable finger inserts can be of marginal benefit.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be understood asan illustration of selected forms that the invention can take and not asa definition of the invention. It is only the following claims,including all equivalents, that are intended to define the scope of thisinvention. Finally, it should be noted that any aspect of any of thepreferred embodiments described herein can be used alone or incombination with one another.

1. A system of house balls for use in a bowling center, the systemcomprising: a first plurality of bowling balls of substantially the sameweight, each bowling ball of the first plurality comprising a respectivethumb hole sized to receive removable thumb inserts of varying sizes andrespective finger holes, wherein at least one bowling ball of the firstplurality has a different span between finger and thumb holes and adifferent finger hole diameter than at least one other bowling ball ofthe first plurality; and a second plurality of bowling balls ofsubstantially the same weight but of different weight from the firstplurality of bowling balls, each bowling ball of the second pluralitycomprising a respective thumb hole sized to receive removable thumbinserts of varying sizes and respective finger holes, wherein at leastone bowling ball of the second plurality has a different span betweenfinger and thumb holes and a different finger hole diameter than atleast one other bowling ball of the second plurality.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the fingers holes of the first and second pluralitiesof bowling balls are not shaped to receive removable finger inserts ofvarying sizes.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the fingers holes ofthe first and second pluralities of bowling balls are free of fingerinserts.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the fingers holes of thefirst and second pluralities of bowling balls have a diameter less than31/32 inches.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the fingers holes of thefirst and second pluralities of bowling balls have a depth greater than1.5 inches.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the fingers holes of thefirst and second pluralities of bowling balls have a depth of 2.5inches.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the thumb holes of the firstand second pluralities of bowling balls have a diameter of 1.5 inches.8. The system of claim 1, wherein the thumb holes of the first andsecond pluralities comprise a component shaped to releasably secure aremovable thumb insert.
 9. The system of claim 1 further comprising aplurality of removable thumb inserts of varying sizes.
 10. The system ofclaim 9 further comprising a tray to store the plurality of removablethumb inserts of varying sizes.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein atleast one bowling ball of the first plurality has at least one of thefollowing: (i) a different thumb hole pitch than at least one otherbowling ball of the first plurality and (ii) a different finger holepitch than at least one other bowling ball of the first plurality. 12.The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second pluralities ofbowling balls have first indicia indicating weight and second indiciaindicating finger hole drilling pattern.
 13. A system of house balls foruse in a bowling center, the system comprising: a plurality of houseballs in a variety of weights, wherein each of the house balls comprisesa thumb hole sized to receive a removable thumb insert of varying sizes,and wherein at least one house ball of a given weight comprises adifferent finger hole drilling pattern than at least one other houseball of that given weight.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein thefinger hole drilling pattern comprises at least one of finger holediameter and span between finger and thumb holes.
 15. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the fingers holes of the plurality of house balls arenot shaped to receive removable finger inserts of varying sizes.
 16. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein the fingers holes of the plurality of houseballs are free of finger inserts.
 17. The system of claim 13, whereinthe fingers holes of the plurality of house balls have a diameter lessthan 31/32 inches.
 18. The system of claim 13, wherein the fingers holesof the plurality of house balls have a depth greater than 1.5 inches.19. The system of claim 13, wherein the fingers holes of the pluralityof house balls have a depth of 2.5 inches.
 20. A method of identifying asuitable house ball for a customer of a bowling center, the methodcomprising: providing, from a plurality of removable thumb inserts ofvarying sizes, a removable thumb insert having a size suitable for athumb of a customer of a bowling center; determining a finger holedrilling pattern suitable for the customer; and providing the customerwith indicia information of a house ball having the suitable finger holedrilling pattern.
 21. The method of claim 20 further comprising charginga fee to the customer for rental of the provided removable thumb insert.22. The method of claim 20 further comprising offering the providedremovable thumb insert for purchase by the customer.
 23. The method ofclaim 20, wherein the determining act is performed using a fitting ballcomprising at least one thumb hole sized to receive removable thumbinserts of varying sizes and a plurality of finger holes of differentfinger hole drilling patterns.
 24. The method of claim 20, wherein thefinger hole drilling pattern comprises a finger hole diameter and afinger-hole-to-thumb-hole span.